Explain The Health Assessment Information Required For A Dia

Explain the health assessment information required for a diagnosis of your selected patient

Write a detailed 1-page narrative (not a formal paper) addressing the following: · Explain the health assessment information required for a diagnosis of your selected patient (include the scenario number). · Explain how you would respond to the scenario as an advanced practice nurse using evidence-based practice guidelines and applying ethical considerations. Justify your response using at least three different references from current evidence-based literature.

Paper For Above instruction

In addressing the healthcare needs of the patient described in Scenario X, a comprehensive health assessment is essential to accurately diagnose and formulate an appropriate care plan. For this case involving a teenage girl, critical assessment components include a detailed history and physical examination to evaluate reproductive health, sexual activity, and psychosocial factors.

Firstly, a thorough history should be obtained, covering sexual activity, menstrual history, contraceptive use, and any symptoms such as pain or irregularities. Additionally, screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), history of abuse, and emotional wellbeing should be included. Gathering information on family medical history and psychosocial factors, including peer relationships and mental health, provides context that influences diagnosis and treatment options.

Physical examination should focus on a general assessment, vital signs, and a pelvic exam if consent is provided, ensuring age-appropriate and sensitive communication. During the pelvic exam, inspection of external genitalia, screening for signs of infection, and, if necessary, cervical sampling for Pap smear and STI testing are conducted. Recognizing the importance of privacy and autonomy, the provider should confirm consent and confidentiality while explaining procedures transparently. Diagnostic tests such as pap smear, STI screening, and pregnancy testing are vital in confirming diagnoses and guiding treatment plans.

As an advanced practice nurse, responding to this scenario requires adherence to evidence-based practice guidelines and ethical principles. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG, 2021), providing adolescent patients with appropriate screening and reproductive health education is fundamental to promoting health and preventing adverse outcomes. The response should prioritize the girl’s autonomy and informed consent, ensuring she understands her health options and feels comfortable during the examination.

Ethically, respecting the patient’s confidentiality and autonomy is paramount, especially considering her age. However, legal considerations regarding parental involvement vary by jurisdiction. The provider must balance respecting the girl’s confidentiality with the legal and ethical obligation to safeguard her health, including possible mandates to report abuse if suspected (Barker & Zimmerman, 2019). Informed consent must be obtained in an age-appropriate manner, providing clear explanations and reassurance to foster trust and cooperation.

Evidence-based guidelines recommend routine screening for STIs and counseling on safe sexual practices to prevent pregnancies and infections (Sedgh et al., 2016). The provider should incorporate culturally sensitive communication tailored to the adolescent’s level of understanding, ensuring she feels empowered to ask questions and express concerns. This approach aligns with ethical principles of beneficence and respect for persons, promoting trust and adherence to treatment protocols (Wilkinson & Grube, 2020).

In conclusion, a comprehensive health assessment encompassing detailed history-taking, a sensitive physical examination, and targeted diagnostic testing is fundamental to diagnosing and managing adolescent reproductive health issues. As an advanced practice nurse, responding ethically and evidence-based involves respecting patient autonomy, ensuring confidentiality, and providing preventive education. Such an approach fosters a trusting therapeutic relationship and supports the girl’s overall health and wellbeing.

References

  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2021). Adolescent health care. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 156. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 137(1), e1-e14.
  • Barker, G., & Zimmerman, C. (2019). Ethical considerations in adolescent reproductive health services. Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, 32(2), 124-130.
  • Sedgh, G., et al. (2016). Unintended pregnancy and subsequent outcomes among adolescents. Studies in Family Planning, 47(3), 273-290.
  • Wilkinson, S., & Grube, J. (2020). Ethical principles in adolescent healthcare. Journal of Medical Ethics, 46(4), 257-261.
  • Moore, A., & Murphy, T. (2018). Reproductive health assessment in adolescents. Journal of School Nursing, 34(3), 183-189.
  • Johnson, R. L., et al. (2020). Evidence-based adolescent reproductive health interventions. Journal of Adolescent Health, 66(3), 271-278.
  • National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. (2019). Guidelines for adolescent health screening. NICHD Reports, 14(2), 33-39.
  • American Academy of Pediatrics. (2017). Guidelines for adolescent health screening and preventive care. Pediatrics, 139(Supplement 2), S134-S141.
  • Green, J., & McGinn, T. (2018). Confidentiality and consent in adolescent health care. Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics, 46(1), 92-97.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Reproductive health education for adolescents. CDC Fact Sheet.